Today 218 of the State’s future agriculture leaders will graduate from the NSW Government’s Tocal College destined for careers spanning livestock production, cropping, farm management, equine studies and agtech in NSW’s $25 billion agriculture sector.
Tocal College is the State’s leading agriculture education institute with 2,400 students enrolled in courses at 73 locations around NSW, making it one of the biggest and oldest agriculture education organisations in Australia.
The training of students at Tocal College is part of the Minns Labor Government’s comprehensive plan to build the State’s agriculture sector and ensure a well-trained and versatile future workforce.
The graduation took place at Tocal’s campus in Paterson in the State’s Hunter region.
Among the 2025 graduates to receive top honours are:
- Alyvia Lieb, from East Seaham in the Hunter, Dux of Certificate III in Agriculture (Tocal Agricultural Production Program),
- Grace Shields, from Lakesland in the Hunter, Dux of Certificate III in Horse Care (Tocal Stock Horse Breeding and Training Program),
- Sarah Hanks, from Louth Park in the Hunter, Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture (Tocal Farm Supervisor and Agribusiness Program),
- Natalia Luci, from Mangrove Mountain in the Central Coast, Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture (Traineeship Program).
Through its practical, industry-aligned training programs, Tocal supports both new entrants to agriculture and those already working in farming, agribusiness and natural resource management.
Its focus on developing skills, lifting safety standards and supporting productivity ensures NSW remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
Tocal’s educational outcomes continue to exceed national standards, with full-time program completion rates more than 40 percent higher than the national average. In addition:
- 92 percent of students in full-time training who began training at Tocal in 2025 successfully completed their qualification.
- 22 percent of students in full qualification programs identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and just under 50 percent of all 2025 enrolments are women.
As Tocal College enters its seventh decade, it continues to adapt to emerging industry needs, integrating digital agriculture technologies, enhancing regional training delivery, and strengthening partnerships with industry, producers and rural communities.
Visit Tocal College website for information – https://www.tocal.nsw.edu.au/home
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said:
“Today’s graduation is a proud moment for every student, their families, and the broader agricultural community.
“From livestock production and cropping to Agtech and sustainable land management, the training delivered at Tocal ensures students are ready to contribute from day one on the job.
“As agriculture continues to evolve, Tocal College remains agile and forward‑looking, integrating new technologies, modern production techniques and emerging industry needs into its training.
“The achievements of this year’s graduates speak to the exceptional teaching, mentorship and real‑world experience they receive at Tocal.
“Each student has earned the skills and confidence needed to build meaningful careers and contribute to a stronger agricultural future for the state.”
Alyvia Lieb – Dux, Certificate III in Agriculture said:
“Studying at Tocal has strengthened my passion for agriculture and given me the confidence to start building a career in the industry. I’m grateful for the support of my trainers and the friends I’ve made along the way.”
Grace Shields – Dux, Certificate III in Horse Care said:
“Working with horses every day has been incredible, and the program has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I’m excited to take these skills into the equine industry and keep learning.”
Sarah Hanks – Dux, Certificate IV in Agriculture (Farm Supervisor and Agribusiness) said:
“The Certificate IV program challenged me in the best possible way and helped me develop real leadership and agribusiness skills. I’m looking forward to using these skills and stepping into the next stage of my career with confidence.”
Natalia Luci – Dux, Certificate IV in Agriculture (Traineeship Program) said:
“Throughout my traineeship at Tocal I have learnt a lot about different industries in Agriculture. Working and study was a good balance and helped me to learn more. I’m grateful to the Tocal staff/teachers for helping me throughout the course.”